Page 87 of Wish You Faith

Sonya followed him. “Are you all prayed up?”

Evan nodded.

“You move here if God calls you to, not if you want to.”

“Yes, ma’am. So the key is for my desire to match God’s call.” Evan smiled.

“If your relationship with Rosie is meant to be, then God will guard it for you. Don’t worry. Trust God. Keep praying. Walk by faith.”

“Good reminder. Thanks.” Evan gave Sonya a hug.

He wished that Mom was saved in Christ and could impart nuggets of wisdom on demand like that. Alas, Mom had been resistant to the Gospel and any mention of Christianity. Her religion was humanism and superstition, both of which had driven her to become a multi-millionaire. Evan supposed that Mom’s religion was also money.

Dad wasn’t saved either, but at least he didn’t say anything negative about God or the Bible.

Connor was the only family member who could talk about God and pray Christian prayers with Evan.

“The Bible says to bring all your cares and concerns to God,” Sonya added. “Which verse is that?”

“Peter somewhere?” Evan was surprised at the Bible sword drill pop quiz. More tests from Sonya.

“That’s right.” Sonya made Evan look up 1 Peter 5:6-7 on the Bible app on his phone.

They were both staring at the screen when a woman’s voice said, “Whatcha looking at?”

Rosie had finally emerged from her bedroom, wearing a pair of new sweatpants and a Christmas Snoopy sweatshirt.

Evan read the verse aloud.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Rosie stepped closer. She smelled of fresh soap. Lavender. Her hair was tied up in a bun, but it looked wet.

“You showered.” Marcella sat down next to Dottie at the dinner table.

“Yeah,” Rosie said. “I like to shower after I’ve walked outside.”

“You mean when we were watching the movie?” Dottie asked.

Rosie nodded.

“Where did you go?” Dottie seemed to be the curious one.

“Evan and I went for a walk on the beach.” She picked a chair to sit in, and Evan sat down next to her.

“Must be cold.” Dottie put a napkin on her lap.

“If you want to walk tomorrow, we could.” Evan leaned toward Rosie and gently squeezed her hand.

“Afternoon maybe. It’ll warm up then.”

Evan nodded.

“When do you go back to Seattle?” Marcella asked.

“I fly after church on Sunday.”

“So you have three days to spend with Rosie before Sunday.” Marcella clapped her hands together.

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